Pneumococcal Shots

What it is:

Pneumococcal disease can make you very sick or even kill you. It happens when bacteria (called pneumococcus) attack different parts of the body. It can invade the lungs and cause pneumonia. It can invade the bloodstream and cause bacteremia. Or it can invade the covering of the brain and cause meningitis. It can also cause middle ear and sinus infections.

You can get this shot on the same day that you get the flu shot. But you can get it at any time of year. One shot may be all you ever need, but you should discuss this with your doctor.

Why it’s important:

Pneumococcal pneumonia kills thousands of older people in the United States each year. The shot may protect you.

Who is covered:

Anyone with Medicare can get their pneumococcal shot covered by Medicare.

How often it’s covered:

The pneumococcal shot is generally covered once in your lifetime (although some people may need it more often). Ask your doctor about whether you might need this shot and how you can get it.

What you pay:

You pay nothing for this service.

Learn more about pneumococcal shots on Medicare.gov

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Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.